Cindy Durant is a Clinical Pharmacist at Haliburton PharmaChoice in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Her job sees her filling many roles: she counsels patients as a community pharmacist, is trained as a Certified Diabetes Educator and also provides pharmacy services to residents at a nursing home.
Where they’re working:
Originally from Antigonish, Cindy knew that after completing her pharmacy training at the University of Waterloo in 2011, she would be homebound.
Ontario was fantastic and I enjoyed being there and exploring the province. There was no doubt about moving home though.
"The importance of having family and loved ones close by is second to none. I consider myself very lucky: most people my age have to move out west for work and cannot find jobs that will allow them to make a living in Nova Scotia, but I was able to come home. I am very fortunate.”
Reflections on the Program
"In school my group was linked with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation for our volunteering experience. I carried that interest into practice, where I was given the opportunity to become a Certified Diabetes Educator. In my community and the surrounding communities, there is a large population of diabetic patients "
In Nova Scotia, pharmacist have a broader scope than their Ontario counterparts.
"In Nova Scotia we are able to give flu shots and other vaccinations, prescribe minor ailments and some vaccines, do medication reviews, emergency and continued care prescribing, as well as rapid strep testing."
Though flu shots are a recent addition to the scope on Ontario pharmacists, Cindy explains that having prescribing rights is a bonus to both the community and to an overburdened healthcare system.
“In some communities, there is limited access to physicians, or long wait times, if a person is lucky enough to have a family physician. Being able to prescribe certain things alleviates some of the burden on ER departments and the After Hours clinics. By prescribing we are improving access to care in a timely manner.”
Community practice in Nova Scotia
Cindy has always had a passion for community pharmacy.
“Even when I did my undergrad, I worked as a pharmacy technician and even on the worst of days I went home loving what I was doing. Now as a pharmacist I still love it! I am very fortunate that my work environment allows me to build close relationships with my patients, the local physicians, nurse practitioners, the hospital and other supporting services.”
Being an accessible healthcare provider and a Certified Diabetes Educator means that she builds close and long-term relationships with many of her patients.“Having patients come in with questions or concerns that I can offer advice or guide them through situations is so rewarding. What seems so small to me could be a major issue for the patient. It’s a
constant reminder that while I perceive some issues to be miniscule, to the patient things can be much bigger and I’m glad to be there to help.”
Sometimes just being there to lend an ear, letting a person talk, or offering advice, most patients are appreciative.
Alumni Answers
UW: What advice do you have for students interested in practicing outside of Ontario?
CD: There are many wonderful places to explore and beautiful communities. Pharmacists have varying expanded scopes depending on where your headed. Take a chance!
UW: You’re a certified diabetes educator. What do you find rewarding about working with diabetic patients?
CD: In my community and the surrounding communities, there is a large population of diabetic patients. I wanted to be well informed and able to offer a lending hand when possible. Our local hospital offers a diabetic clinic for patients, but more often than not patients don’t feel comfortable asking questions in that setting. Often they come to me with their concerns. Being diagnosed with diabetes can be very overwhelming and I want my patients to know that they have someone with them along the way. We take it one step at a time. I am always so happy when they come back and tell me they are doing better.
UW: What challenges do you face providing services to nursing home residents?
CD: It is challenging because there is always something new to learn about the home. Providing care to the home is a learn-as-you-go type thing, different situations present all the time. I do enjoy it. I get to collaborate more with the RNs and LPNs at the home. Not always being able to be on site provides some challenges, but our system is well implemented. I have learned a lot from being exposed to this setting.
Non-Pharm Fun
"I love to explore the East coast! Travelling as much as I can on the weekends whether it be locally or across the Maritimes, there is so much to see! This summer we did some off-roading to find hidden waterfalls in our area. I love to exercise. I have participated in various running events, and am training for a ¼ Marathon in October. I spend time with my family and friends as much as possible."